In response to the alarming increase in gender-based violence (GBV) in Rivers State, Kebetkache, a local NGO, has launched a volunteer training program to address these crucial issues.
Kebetkache, in collaboration with the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), launched twenty volunteers on Wednesday at a ceremony at their Port Harcourt offices.
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Acknowledged as an ecofeminist movement in the Niger Delta, Kebetkache is committed to promoting women’s equality and participation in public affairs.
The organisation stressed during the inauguration how important it is for these recently engaged volunteers to raise awareness and properly report incidents of GBV to the relevant authorities.
WRAPA is an advocacy organisation that was created about 25 years ago. Its principal goal is to help women and girls of all ages, particularly those who have faced abuse or prejudice. It also offers assistance to those with impairments.
Dr. Confidence Otikor, Kebetkache’s project manager and a WRAPA resource, was the event’s keynote speaker. She explored numerous techniques for recognising and combating GBV in society, emphasising the significance of safety precautions.
Dr. Otikor discussed the program’s functions and aims, encouraging volunteers to raise awareness, advocate for legislative reform, and assist survivors.
Mr. Tombari Dumka-Kote, coordinator of the Rivers State Response Team on Violence Against Women and Children, shared insights into the various problems that volunteers may experience while carrying out their tasks.
He emphasised the importance of following safety rules while working with survivors and abusers to avoid becoming victims themselves.
Furthermore, Dr. Happiness from the Get a Life Initiative emphasised the value of mentorship, particularly for young females. Participants expressed gratitude for the information received during the workshop.
Nwosu Precious, a student at the University of Port Harcourt’s Faculty of Humanities, offered his takeaways, adding, “I learnt about the proper procedures for reporting GBV cases, especially concerning females in my environment.” He emphasised the need of finding solutions, pointing out that GBV disproportionately affects women.
Another participant, Vivian Mmadubuko, a graduate from the University of Port Harcourt, described the program as enlightening and insightful. “It has opened my eyes to the prevalence of GBV cases around us, particularly involving close relatives and strangers. I was previously unaware of the organizations and resources available to help address these issues through volunteering.”
